Handheld Accessible ATM Unveiled

NCR Corporation demonstrated a new breed of Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) at the Marriott Marquis in New York City this past Friday. The new machines will feature the ability of users to withdraw cash using a mobile phone or handheld device.

NCR’s new screenless, keyless ATM is built around Bluetooth and infrared technologies. The machine, which NCR has chosen to call the Freedom ATM, does not use a screen, keyboard or card. Instead, a user who has subsequently typed in transaction details simply walks up to the machine, enters a security code on their device, and points it at the ATM to withdraw cash.

The company stated that it forsees multiple functions for the machines other than simple cash disbursement. An example might be cash disbursement and simultaneous ticket delivery for entertainment or travel. The machine is broadband-ready, so large file downloads such as MP3s could also be easily facilitated.